"MI is a tool that allows me to present a lesson in many different ways and then build extensions of that lesson that can branch off in many different MI directions," Lauren says. She has her BA in Physical Education from the University of Missouri - St. Louis, and has been teaching PE/B.K. for 36 years, 28 years at New City.  Lauren's hobbies include sports, sports and more sports, along with theater, and taking care of her family and her grandchildren Ryan, Lily and Ethan. She loves shrimp and a good steak.

"Teaching with MI allows me to see a child's strengths, and when I see that I can only hope to expand on those strengths," Tommi says. She has been teaching young children for 28 years, and is currently the Preprimary Music and Movement Specialist and KDG/1st grade B-K Specialist.  She has her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from St. Louis Community College.   She has also taken creative movement classes at Fontbonne University and Maryville University.  She is certified through the Early Childhood Music and Movement Association. She is trained in the Orff Schulwerk method of teaching Music and Movement to young children. Tommi served 4 years as a Physical Activity Consultant for Head Start Body Start, The National Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play.  She was selected as a training facilitator for the "I Am Moving, I Am Learning" (IMIL) framework which was listed on the Presidential task force as a program to get young children moving. Tommi spends her summers working as a Teaching Artist for the Center of Creative Arts (COCA).  She is passionate about sharing her knowledge to parents and educators on the importance of movement in young children and will frequently present workshops to early childhood educators on this topic.  She brings her passion, energy, and love for children everywhere she goes.  When she is not busy with young children, you will find her hiking with her family or enjoying a vigorous session of water aerobics.

Brian has been teaching for over twenty years in both independent and public schools. He earned a BA in Music and a BA in Political Science from the University of Missouri, and a Masters in Music Education from Boston University. He is currently completing an Educational Specialist degree from Lindenwood University. In addition to teaching K-12 music, Brian has nine years of experience teaching social studies, including American History, Civics, and World Civilization. Brian is a union musician in St. Louis, performing with the Gateway Festival Orchestra, the University City Symphony Orchestra, and his own ensembles. When he is not teaching, Brian enjoys spending time with his wife, Robyne, and their two sons, Will and Charlie, and coaching youth sports.

Sandy has been teaching or working with children for over 35 years. This is her tenth year at New City School. She earned a Bachelor's degree in English Literature from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from the National College of Education in Evanston, IL.  When she's not teaching, she enjoys playing duplicate bridge, hiking, sharing meals with her three sons, and doing the New York Times crossword puzzle.  It’s no surprise that the Logical-Mathematical intelligence is her favorite, though Linguistic runs a close second. She loves to vacation in Manitou Springs, Colorado.

Jessica has her BA in History from the University of Colorado, and an MA in Elementary Education from Webster University. She began at New City as a fifth grade teacher, and has been serving as our MI Library Coordinator since we opened our MI library in 2006. Her passion is her family! She loves to travel, ski, ride bikes, take pictures, and spend time outdoors.

"MI addresses diversity within a group of learners; it is the answer for all those who wonder why they just didn't 'get it' when they were in school.  WIth MI there's a way in for every kid; every student can be successful."  Ben has been at New City for all of his teaching career, and has a BA in Elementary Education from Maryville University.  He began as a fourth grade teacher and is now our Performing Arts teacher (focusing upon music, movement, drama).  Ben loves spending time with his family, paddling and playing in rivers, playing and writing music, reading and writing poetry, and playing various sports.

Carla has taught for twenty-six years, and earned her BA in Elementary Education and an MA in Reading, both from Webster University.  Before working as the Learning Specialist, she was part of the first and second grade teams at New City and taught third grade in a parochial school.  She currently teaches students from preprimary through sixth grade. Carla says, "MI gives students opportunities to use intelligences and discover things about themselves that they would otherwise not discover in a more traditional classroom. The most rewarding moments in teaching happen when students feel supported and confident enough to take risks, persevere and are encouraged to make connections that lead to genuine understanding and personal growth. At New City School, this happens daily;  joyful learning!"   Carla enjoys running, biking, yoga, art, music, food and conversation. Two of her favorite children's books are Weslandia by Paul Fleischman, and Hey World, Here I Am! by Jean Little.

Missey has been teaching for over twenty years, with more than ten years at New City in the third grade. For the coming school year, Missey will be serving as our school counselor as well as a learning specialist. She earned her BS in Elementary Education and her MA in Educational Counseling from the University of Missouri - St. Louis.  She believes the most important aspect of MI is that "it proves everyone has talents, abilities, and weaknesses; they are just in different areas.  It is what makes the world go round!"  Missey loves dancing and going to Cardinal games and she's passionate about watching her son play sports. Her favorite children's book is, Because of Winn Dixie, and her favorite adult book is Iron Gate.

Kristi has been a preprimary teacher for 12 years, ten of those at New City.  For the coming school year, Kristi will be serving as our technology specialist. She has a BS in Early Childhood Education from the University of Missouri - St. Louis.  "I have found that my focus on MI, and more specifically, the awareness and appreciation of the differences in students in my classroom has helped me know and understand my students better.  It has also helped my students know and understand themselves better."  When she's not enjoying the "endless entertainment that comes with teaching young children," she enjoys photography, playing tennis with friends and family, and traveling.